Eero Saarinen was born in Kirkkonummi, Finland in 1910. He studied in Paris and at Yale University, after which he joined his father's practice. Eero initially pursued sculpture as his art of choice - and his later architectural and furniture designs reflect this beautifully. The design of the tulip chair and table is undeniably sculptural - its elegantly organic lines are as much art as function. After a year in art school, he decided to become an architect instead.

Saarinen evolved a remarkable palet of materials and forms, innovative use of materials and uniquely sculptural shapes - but always with a pragmatic focus upon function. His style has been described as International and Expressionist - and indeed it is both: Utilizing a vocabulary of forms that was undoubtedly influenced by the work of designers in many countries and cultures, he produced work that pushes the boundaries of our expectations and preconceptions.

Eero Saarinen died in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1961.